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The Eric M. Gerhard blog will provide financial news updates and information about the latest trends in the world of equity compensation.

Friday, May 8, 2026

If you received your bonus in cash today, how much of it would you invest back into your company's stock?

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Tax season has a way of bringing unexpected clarity, especially when equity compensation is involved. But here's what matters: tax season is the beginning of smarter planning for the rest of the year.

Monday, March 16, 2026

For many executives and senior employees, company stock represents a meaningful portion of both compensation and overall net worth. But it also introduces a unique challenge.

Friday, February 6, 2026

When equity compensation becomes a meaningful part of your income or net worth, the quality of advice you receive matters more than ever. And in this area, specialization isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Friday, January 9, 2026

Many companies issue stock-based compensation in December, making January an ideal time to pause, review, and plan. Here are a few key areas worth reviewing at the start of the year.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been taking some time to reflect, not on markets, tax regulations, or equity grant schedules, but on something far more meaningful.

Monday, November 10, 2025

Equity wealth requires a different kind of advisor. One fluent in stock compensation, tax strategy, and concentrated risk. Let’s turn your equity into a financial strategy.

Thursday, October 9, 2025

For many, the December deadline looms large as RSUs, stock options, or performance shares officially settle, converting promised compensation into real assets.

Friday, August 8, 2025

In the unpredictable world of biotech, a single FDA announcement, a missed trial endpoint, or a broader market downturn can send your stock price plummeting. Here's what you can do to protect your investments.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Underwater options are a surprisingly common reality in the world of equity compensation, and depending on your unique situation, you may have more choices than you realize.

Monday, June 9, 2025

By understanding these principles and seeking help when needed, you can manage the inherent volatility of company stock without losing your peace of mind, ultimately optimizing the long-term value of your hard-earned equity compensation.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Understand how major life events like marriage, inheritance, and family changes can impact your stock options, RSUs, and other equity compensation. Learn key considerations for financial planning during these transitions.

Thursday, April 17, 2025

As April 15th has come and gone, now is an opportune moment, especially for those who received equity compensation in 2024, to reflect on your tax experience and proactively plan for the future.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Restricted stock units (RSUs) are a fantastic way to build wealth, but their vesting can trigger a tax event that leaves many employees scrambling come April 15th.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Tax season is upon us, and for employees with equity compensation, navigating the complexities of tax reporting can be particularly challenging. check out these 2024 Tax Prep Tips.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

In the world of equity compensation, stock options offer employees the opportunity to share in the success of their company. However, maximizing the value of these options requires careful consideration and a strategic approach.

Monday, December 16, 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and unlocking the full potential of stock options together.

Friday, November 1, 2024

Understanding your rights and how companies typically handle these situations can help you better navigate your equity compensation in cases where termination occurs.

Friday, October 4, 2024

When you pass away, your stock options don't simply vanish. They become part of your estate and can potentially trigger tax consequences. Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider,

Monday, August 26, 2024

When couples with equity compensation (like stock options or restricted stock) divorce, one of the more challenging aspects is determining the value of these assets for property division.

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Stock options like Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs), and restricted stock can be confusing but understanding how they differ from your 401(k) contributions may unlock valuable financial opportunities.

Monday, July 15, 2024

The difference between nonqualified stock options (NQSOs) and incentive stock options (ISOs) is, like most things in finance, depends on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance.

Monday, June 3, 2024

Did you know you can legally postpone or avoid capital gains tax from selling your equity compensation? Here are six ways under the tax code, called tax expenditures, that you can leverage to avoid or defer your capital gains tax.

Friday, May 3, 2024

Many employees receive stock options from their employers as an incentive to encourage loyalty, reward past and future performance, or maximize the company's tax advantage. But many issues can arise during a divorce proceeding.

Monday, April 15, 2024

While relying on your gut feeling can provide temporary rewards, it could come at a great expense. Behind this erratic investment behavior are mental factors coupled with economic rationales, influencing the options exercise process.

Friday, February 2, 2024

If you’ve received performance shares, it’s essential to understand how they work, any restrictions attached to them, and how they are affected by taxes.

Friday, January 5, 2024

The uncertainties following an acquisition can make even the most composed employees anxious about their stock options. Here is what you need to know concerning acquisitions and the fate of your stock options.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

It’s essential to understand how your stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), and ESPP participation are affected when life takes an unanticipated turn.

Monday, November 6, 2023

Here are 3 valuable tips, according to findings from a recent myStockOptions webinar, for managing life after separating from your employer to help navigate the uncertainties ahead.

Monday, October 9, 2023

Despite the current recession, international assignments and relocations are increasing. This is posing a challenge in cross-border taxation for employees and employers.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Many people move to tax-friendly states after retirement to maximize their retirement savings and income, benefiting from lower tax rates, reduced or eliminated state income taxes, and better financial conditions in their golden years.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

It’s important to start planning for your child's education as early as possible. You’re able to use stock options and other stock grants to help fund those educational pursuits.

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Making gifts of company stock allows you to transfer wealth while retaining ownership, but it also offers potential tax savings. You can give your company stock for estate planning purposes, such as passing assets to family members.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Social Security is a secure way to guarantee a comfortable lifestyle after retirement. In an era where most retirees are worried about outliving their retirement savings, maximizing the benefits can be handy.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

There are many different reasons why you may find yourself leaving a job which may lead to unanswered questions about your stock options and the rights you have to them.

Monday, April 10, 2023

As an employee, it’s essential to understand the types of equity compensation available to you and how they may affect your financial situation.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

It's crucial to understand the direct and indirect impact The Inflation Reduction Act will have on your equity compensation and overall financial situation.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

It’s easy to eagerly accept the stock offerings, but without a tax plan, you may prevent yourself from obtaining the full value of that equity compensation.

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Employers consider mega grants because they link pay with performance. If a company is worried that top talent may leave, they may choose a mega grant to keep that employee invested with the company for a long period of time.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

In the world of equity compensation, the end of the year is crucial decision-making time. The choices you make will affect your 2022 taxes and your financial outlook for years to come.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

In the world of equity compensation, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans may be one you hear often as employers seek out new ways to retain key people within their company.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

In an effort to retain their top talent, many employers will offer Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) to their employees. It shows how much your employer values your presence, but also, it’s a way for you to show belief in your company.

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

It’s important to attract new talent as well as retain the talent of a company’s current workforce. This idea has shaped equity compensation trends in 2002.